Vicky Roy – I started photographing street children in 2005, hoping to capture their spirit along with their circumstances. My own difficult past influenced my work.I ran away from home when I was 11 and lived on the streets of Delhi before a NGO took me under its wing and helped me achieve my dream of becoming a photographer. Having lived this life, I understand that buried beneath all the misery is a gritty determination and shining optimism. Instead of confrontation, I have attempted to portray this difficult world with the soothing balm of a child’s hopes. Each picture shows the optimism of these children and their undying spirit despite cruel twists of life. At the same time, my project is also a plea to give these children a chance, a call for help in achieving these dreams before they are smothered. My own story had a happy ending, and I wish an equally fulfilling life for all these children. (Photo shot in New Delhi, India 2005. Photo sponsors: Doug Zinn and Barbara White.)